This Air Fryer Roast Beef turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor with a simple herb rub that forms a nice crust on the outside. It's a great way to make roast beef without heating up the oven, and it only takes about an hour.
I've always loved a good roast for Sunday dinner, especially one that slices up tender and has that rich beefy flavor. And, after making this roast beef in the air fryer, I honestly don't think I'll ever go back to the oven. It's just easier, faster, and still gives you that perfect pink center.
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Why You'll Want to Try This
Easy to make: no fancy steps or hard to find instructions.
Juicy every time: the air fryer locks in moisture.
Great for leftovers: sandwiches, wraps, or even cold slices.
No oven needed: perfect for hot days or small kitchens.
Simple and comforting: just like the kind mom or grandma made.
Ingredients
Beef Roast: I've used top loin, ribeye or eye of round with excellent results.
Spices: I used a blend of my favorite spices to make a dry rub for the roast. Garlic powder, onion salt, parsley, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
Olive oil: I use this because it has a higher smoke point. It is used to coat the roast beef before applying the dry rub.
You can mix the herbs up if you want. If you don't have one of them, don't worry. Just use what you've got.
How Long Do You Cook It?
As a general rule:
- Rare: 20 minutes per pound after the sear
- Medium: 25 minutes per pound
- Always check with a thermometer for best results. Every air fryer cooks a little different.
Top Tips That Help
- Always let your meat rest before slicing. It really makes a difference.
- If your air fryer only has set temps (like 375°F), just get as close as you can and check the internal temperature more often.
- Don't skip the sear. That first 15 minutes at 390°F helps seal in the juices and gives you that nice crust.
- Use foil or spray your air fryer basket to help with clean up.
Storing Leftovers
You'll want to save every bite!
- Store it in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Reheat slices in the air fryer at 300°F for a few minutes, or enjoy cold in a sandwich or wrap.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Serve with...
This roast goes with just about anything, but here are some of my favorites:
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Roast Beef with Herb Crust
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Ingredients
- 2 pound beef roast
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion salt
- 2 teaspoons parsley
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons basil
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Let the roast rest on the counter for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help it to cook more evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390℉ for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix up the rub ingredients of garlic powder, onion salt, parsley, thyme, and basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Pat the roast dry, rub it with the olive oil, then rub the herb mixture over the entire roast.
- Put the roast in the air fryer, fat side up if it has one. Cook at 390℉ for 15 minutes to sear it.
- Flip the roast over and lower the temp to 360℉, and cook for about 20-25 minutes per pound. Until roast reaches desired level of doneness.
- Remove roast from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes under a piece of foil before slicing.
Tree says
Might want to change the time for cooking per pound to 20 - 25 minutes per pound. You have 20 to 125 minutes per pound. I did cook it exactly as you had it and everyone loved it.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Thank you for trying the recipe and for the heads up! I made the adjustment 🙂 Shelby
Brigette says
My go to for all my roasts! Always perfectly cooked and tastes amazing! Thank you!
Jenny says
Air fryer roast beef. Followed the recipe exactly and my husband and I were MOST impressed with the results. It was a two pound sirloin tip. While it was cooking we were salivating with the wonderful aroma from the rub that permeated the kitchen. I made roasted potatoes in a covered pan on the stove and when I added the drippings from the tin foil the gravy became a welcome addition. If only I could figure out how to periodically check the temperature of the meat without piercing the roast and thereby allowing the juices to escape. When we thoroughly enjoy a meal like we did tonight we say, “well, I would certainly come back to THIS restaurant”. That was definitely the case here. Congratulations Shelby!
Mary says
Hi is it ok to use a top or bottom round roast for this recipe?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
A bottom round is not the most tender cut of beef and is very lean. I wouldn't recommend air frying for that reason. In the ingredients section of this post I do indicate the cuts of meat I would personally recommend.
sandra kynes says
Had to cook it for a bit longer but pleased with the outcome
Kathy says
My go-to for doing the roast in an air-fryer, really love the taste of the rub. It is a keeper!
Terry says
Can you use the rotisserie with air fryer?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Terry, If you have a rotisserie and want to do that, I don't see why not. I sure would! Let me know how it works out for you. Shelby
Nanci says
Just recently came across your penuche recipe. It’s a favorite of this East Coast ended up West Coast gal. I went to print it and hit the wrong button and now it’s lost. Hoping it’s somewhere and you can help. Thank you so much for all of your recipes. Merry Christmas to you and your family
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Nanci, if you click the search bar on the website, you can type in brown sugar fudge and the recipe should pop up. You can click that link and it will take you back to the recipe I hope that helped. If not, please send me an email. Thanks! Shelby
Lucille DeFrank says
The rub recipe is great, but following directions perfectly, the roast was dry.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Lucille, if the roast was dry it was either cooked too long or the type of roast used was not they recommended roast. Using a meat thermometer is highly encouraged in this recipe as I share in the post.
Zibby says
Are your minutes per pound suggestions the times AFTER the 15 minute sear or INCLUDING the 15 minute sear?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
The sear is separate. I would read my air fryer manual to see if they have specific instructions as well and an instant read thermometer should be used to test for level of doneness. I would start checking the internal temp of the meat at 40 minutes (after sear), then depending on what the temp is, every 5 minutes after until you have reached the level of desired doneness.
David backus says
Great recipe 👌
Eileen H says
Excellent! My husband loved it.
Trish says
I picked up a couple of eye of the round roasts from Costco. I normally smoke them. Do you think I could use it here? This sounds wonderful!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
You can, but I highly recommend an overnight marinade at least. Eye of round is very lean and air frying it could dry it out.
Liza Jo says
My air fryer has only certain set temps, like 350, 375 and 400. Other than buying a new machine, do you recommend using a higher temperature for less time? Or the next lower temp?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Liza, I would hot sear at 400 then reduce to 350 and make sure to check with the thermometer as instructed in the post/instructions. Shelby
Lisa says
Hello, I'm making this, this weekend. Do you serve a sauce or gravy with this? Do you take the drippings and use those or discard? Thank you!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Lisa, I usually make a gravy with any drippings and add to it if necessary. Hope this helps, feel free to email me directly if you have any more questions before making the recipe. Shelby
Jon says
I tried this recipe to make a roast in my air fryer (Instant Pot Duo Crisp) for the first time. I started with 15 minutes at 390° as suggested then set it to 60 minutes at 360°, however with about 25 minutes left it was already up to 170° temp when I checked the meat so took it out. Not sure why it cooked so quickly, was a little more done than we'd like but was still good! Will make again just keep an eye on the time more or cook at 350°.
Mel says
Hi. This recipe looks amazing. I plan to make this today for my family for Christmas. Would you suggest poking holes in the meat and getting the seasonings in the meat or would that mess up the cooking time? Thanks!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Mel, I personally would not poke holes in the meat. I'm not sure if it would mess up the cooking time, but the rub itself is enough to season the roast. I hope you try the recipe! Shelby
Terry says
Made this the other day & I guess it was my air fryer that cooks a bit faster but it came out medium well, still tasted great nonetheless. Trying it again with less time to get that medium rare!😊 Thank you for this recipe!
Daniel says
Excited to try this recipe tomorrow! Will be air frying a 4lb ribeye roast. Do you think we will need to prepare a gravy and if so, can you suggest a recipe?? Should we use the drippings?
Thanks,
Daniel
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Daniel, I hope you enjoy the roast! I usually do make a gravy with the pan drippings. Beef Gravy from Roast drippings
as follows: 1 ½ tbsp drippings (or butter if not enough drippings), 1 ½ tbsp flour,1 tsp garlic powder,1 tsp onion powder,½ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Pepper,2 cups Beef Broth Thanks for trying the recipe! Shelby
Frann says
I have not tried your recipe, yet!! My air fryer has grid shelves and assume there is no turning the roast, as the radiant heat surrounds the roast. My question is . . . do I use the combined times or only the 2nd set of times? TIA!!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Fran, I would follow the same guidelines and just be sure to check the temperature as recommended in the post to be sure that it is cooking to your desired level of doneness. All air fryers are different and one could cook faster than the other. Also, as for not turning the roast, I probably still would even if your air fryer has grid shelves. I've made this roast in both types and still turn the roast. I have found that even though I have shelves like you have, that the top still browns faster than the bottom. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me directly. You can also message me via WhatsApp on Facebook for a faster response.
Alice says
I just bought top round roasts today - amazing sale at my local supermarket! Found your recipe just now, and excited to make this - my mouth is watering, just looking at the picture of it you posted! Thank you.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Alice, thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the recipe! Shelby
Laurie says
Just bought an instant pot and first time used made your recipe with a temp roast. Wow! Fantastic!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Laurie, That's great news! Thank you! Shelby
Nancy says
How do I adjust the roast beef recipe for a one-pound tenderloin? There are just the two of us. 5.8 quart air fryer.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Nancy, I would recommend air frying the tenderloin, flipping it halfway through, 11 to 13 minutes total for medium-rare, checking the internal temperature at 11 minutes. The thickest part of the meat should register 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. If the tenderloin is not at the desired temperature, continue air frying and checking the temperature in 2-minute increments. Good luck!
Vicki Hart says
It was the best roast I've ever eaten!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Vicki! So happy to hear this, thank you for rating the recipe! Shelby
Linda says
Hi I’m Making a Prime for Easter & it’s going to be 17 lbs & l just purchased a Range w/ an Air Fryer!!! How will l be able to make it, l always did it in my conventional over on. 550 degrees for 1 hr, & shut the Over off & never opened it til 1/2 before l served it!, it analysts came out Perfect!! Do l do the same thing with the Airfryer Oven, or is different??? Please let me k know! Thank You!!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Linda, I have never made a roast as big as you are doing. I would recommend following the instruction booklet you received with your range air fryer. I would not want to feel responsible for telling you how to do this with such a large roast for a special occasion. Good luck, I hope you use the herb crust recipe, I would just increase the amount of ingredients for the size roast you are making. Let me know how it turns out!
Kelly says
I will have to admit that I was skeptical about cooking this in the air fryer. Oh my goodness! It was so tender & delicious! The spice rub gives it the most amazing crust. I will definitely be cooking this again.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Kelly, so glad you made the recipe! Thanks for coming back to let me know. I hope you gave it a star rating also 🙂 Shelby
Jay says
Delicious! Excellent recipe. Thank you!
Beverley Al says
First time cooking a roast in the air fryer. It turned out great! It was delicious! My airfryer seems to cook a little quicker then the one in the recipe. Next timed I'd cook 5-10 minutes less.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Beverley, so happy it turned out great for you! Thank you for stopping by and rating the recipe! Shelby
Sparky1353 says
Delicious! We have a Ninja air fryer. The rub was awesome, seared it and cooked a small 3 lb prime rib. Done in 50 minutes. Used the drippings and the crispy bits to make a tasty gravy. Soooo good. Thanks! I’d post a picture, but don’t know how. Lol
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Sparky, thank you so much! I appreciate the review. Freel free to share on facebook or instagram and tag me! I'll be happy to share it also!
Claire Dwyer says
I followed your reciepe and I shoukd hve cooked it 20 minutes less, but it was very tasty and tender. I certainly will make beef this way again!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Claire, thanks for stopping by, I am happy you are satisfied and will make it beef in the air fryer again 🙂 Shelby
Debbie Downey says
Hi Shelby. I want to try your recipe but first want to clarify your instructions. When you say to air fry at 390 degrees for 15 min then turn down the heat to 360 and roast for an additional 60 min are we still air flying or roasting. My air fryer has a roast option also. Thanks Debbie
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Debbie, I don't have the roast option on my air fryer, so I'm not sure how that works. I would continue on air fryer. I would check the temperature every 20 minutes during that hour to make sure you are reaching the internal temperature you want to reach. All air fryers are different which makes the timing different. Hope you enjoy the recipe! Shelby
Melissa says
Hello! This looks delicious. When air frying, did you experience any white smoke coming out? If so, is that normal? I've made roast pork before and maybe the fat splatters on the coil causing white smoke to come out ..
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Melissa, I have not experienced white smoke, but because the heat is intense in a small appliance, it is possible you may have smoking in the home. I have experienced it with my rotisserie chicken. If you have concerns however, I would reach out the the appliance manufacturer. Shelby
Pat Fair says
I had a 3 lb chuck roast in the freezer, so went in search of a recipe to try in my new air-fryer. I am glad I saw another reviewer's comment re temperature for a chuck roast. The spice mixture was delicious. I cooked at 390 degrees for 15 minutes, reduced the temperature to 320 degrees. Total cooking time was 44 minutes. Rare, bordering on medium rare, perfection. Delicious. I will definitely be using this recipe on different cuts of meat in the future.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Pat, so happy you came back to let me know! Thank you, Shelby
Kathy Black says
Hi Shelby,
I did a three bone roast in my new air frying using your receipe for the Herb Crust. Best roast I have ever made. I made a sauce with horseradish, dijon mustard and red wine vinegar. I was sure I found it in your receipe. If this sauce was from your receipe could I get the amount of each ingredient used? Thank you.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Kathy, I have a horseradish sauce, but it doesn't have dijon or red wine vinegar. If you search prime rib roast with pan gravy on my website, you will find a few different horseradish sauce recipes. So happy the roast turned out great for you! Shelby
Kathy Black says
Thank you for getting back to me. I check out your other receipes.
veronica says
My oven has an air fryer option and basket rack. Would I follow the same directions. This is a gas range not electric
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Veronica, I would go ahead and follow the same directions but keep an eye on the internal temp of the meat to not overcook. A hot sear is always recommended - meaning put the roast in at a hot temp for the first 15 minutes, then lower to the roasting temp. The high heat gives a crisp crust and seals in the juices. Good luck! Shelby
Vincenzza Bubak says
Excellent excellent excellent yummy
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Vincenzza, thank you so much! Shelby
Robin says
Delicious! Air fryed 2lb ribeye roast. Very tender and moist. Right blend of seasonings. As mentioned, monitor the temperature. Used a Ninja air fryer max xl. seared at 390 degrees for 15 min, reduced heat to 360 degrees. Roast was done (med well) in 30 minutes.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Robin, thank you so much for coming back and reviewing the recipe! So happy it worked out well for you. Shelby
Amanda says
The seasoning was really good but I overlooked it, a 2.8 lb roast at 60m was well done. I will to check the temp next time. Also, my air fryer has different settings like bake, roast, air fry. Does this Make a difference?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Amanda, yes, I would read my manual for the air fryer to see what settings to use and how to use them. Glad you enjoyed the recipe! Shelby
Lissa says
This recipe looks delicious and I am looking forward in trying it. My question is does the roast need to be completely thawed before cooking?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Lissa, yes, the roast needs to be completely thawed before cooking. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Shelby
Mary says
Excellent!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tried this recipe since it looked delicious & reminded me of my husband’s recipe (oven) however, he would use spicy brown mustard along with garlic as the ‘coating’ for the roast!
I tried your recipe, it came out perfect! I’ve had an air fryer for awhile but didn’t really use it until this year when my son said why not try cooking chicken in it! I never realized how good the food would be! I’m a big fan of the air fryer!
Unfortunately my husband has passed away some years ago but he would of gotten a kick out of the air fryer too!
I Absolutely loved your recipe, followed it to a T and it came out juicy, flavorful and the seasoning was delicious!!
Thank You!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Mary, thank you SO MUCH for stopping by to rate and comment on this recipe. I'm so happy it worked well for you, I appreciate you taking the time to come back here and let me know. <3 Thank you for sharing. ˜Shelby
Carla M Gardner says
The seasoning was amazing but it was way over cooked, Followed directions to a T . 2 lb roast
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Carla, I'm happy you tried it, thanks for stopping by. I do want to point out that I indicate that it is important to check the temperature of the meat as it is cooking. Each air fryer will cook differently and you need to make sure you are checking the internal temperature of the meat and remove it when it meets the desired temp. Shelby
Patsy says
I didn't feel like waiting for my Prime Rib Roast to cook in the oven, so I thought what the heck I'll try cooking it in the Air Fryer. Boy, am I glad I did!! It was delicious, tender and ready in 1/2 the time. Now I can relax and enjoy my evening!!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Patsy, so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe!
Shelby
Lorna Mongan says
Turned out Excellent
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Great to hear! Thank you!
JaneDoeExperience says
Just finished making mine. Turned out beautiful. I added red wine to mine. Rosemary, garlic, garlic powder, garlic paste. Splash of Mc Cormick steak season, Salt and pepper. I turned my up 400 for 15 mins. Then followed the 360 for 40 mins. Everyone loved it.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
So happy to hear how you made this your own recipe and that it turned out beautiful!
Kathleen A Crumpler says
New air fry user here.
Delicious recipe and beautifully done roast! I will never roast in the crockpot or oven again!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Kathleen! So happy it worked for you 🙂 Thank you for stopping by to review! ˜Shelby
Taylor Rhonda says
Gonna try tonight. Should be good.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hope it turned out great! Thanks for letting me know. Shelby
Jenny Q. says
Great! I’m always afraid to cook roast beef for fear of overcooking. I used a toaster oven/air fryer so it’s a smaller appliance and seems to cook faster. My roast was also 2.65 lbs, so a meat thermometer was a must. I cooked on high for the 15 minutes, then I cooked for another 30 minutes at 360F, as listed in the instructions which was way less than the instructions indicated. We like our meat medium, so took it out at 140F. Let it rest for 20 minutes. It was perfect ... a little cooked on the edges but perfectly pink in the middle. The crust was perfectly seasoned and crispy. Served with roasted potatoes and corn. Definitely a hit, will make again.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Jenny! Thank you for coming back to review the recipe. So happy it turned out perfectly for you. This is our favorite way to make roast beef!
Tracie McKee says
OMG
I have never cooked a roast in the oven but have done many pot roasts. I was scarred to try this but OMG this was amazing. Cooked by your recipe to med rare next time will cook to rare. Thank you soo much for sharing thins YUMMY
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Tracie! Thank you so much for letting me know you tried the recipe and how it turned out. I'm so happy the end results were great for you and that you make your roasts this way often! ˜Shelby
Im says
Thank you look forward to cooking it slower lol and trying your other recipes
Gerry
Im says
hi when you refer to 390 and 360 degrees do you mean degrees Fahrenheit or ceIsius im in scotland and my Ninja only goes too 200
Shelby Law Ruttan says
The temps in my recipe are in Fahrenheit.
Janet says
So easy and so good,taste was like my mom’s roast. Saving this recipe
Shelby Law Ruttan says
So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Elaine says
Just cooked this absolutely yum beef in a Ninja Foodie, went down an absolute bomb 👌
Ruthanne says
Elaine didu do yours in the ninja duel 2 drawer
Lisa says
Chuck roast must not be a good idea for this recipe. I followed recipe to the letter and the roast was entirely too done. I should have checked temp more frequently than every 15 minutes. I used drippings and added butter to serve over roast, it still could have been a lot better if air fryer temp was set at 320 15 minutes per pound after searing phase
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Lisa, Chuck roast is best for braising and roasting in a pot. It's not a real tender cut of meat. I recommend a tenderloin, top loin, or ribeye in the post.
Molly says
Thanks so much for your tip! Turned out perfect at the 320 for my 4 pound chuck roast cooked for 60 minutes after searing. 😁
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Molly, Glad it turned out perfect for you! Shelby
Leigh says
Hi Shelby,
I bought a bottom round. Will that work? I don't know the difference.
Thanks,
Leigh
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Leigh, I think it would work! Good luck!
Tamsie Bingham says
Hi can this beautiful roast beef be done in a Tefal 2 in 1 air fryer?
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Tamsie, I am not familiar with the Tefal 2 in 1, it would probably depend on the size and power of your airfryer. I would refer to the booklet that came with the airfryer to see what it says you can make in it. ˜Shelby
Debra says
Is your cooking time correct...I cooked a 3 lb roast and it was like a hard boulder. Totally ruined it. Had to throw it away.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
There could be many factors involved. The temperature setting is one. It should only sear at 390 for 15 minutes. Then, depending on the size of your roast, the rule of thumb is 360 degrees with 25 minutes per pound. I check with a thermometer while the roast is cooking as well and check after the first 25 minutes is up. Also, I had a round roast. The type of roast you used could make a difference. In any case, the best way to be sure your roast is not overcooking is to check the internal temperature of the roast periodically.
Carol L Orzechowski says
I just put mine in the air fryer. But your directions don’t say anything about oil or pepper, only your ingredients do!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I corrected the recipe card. I hope you enjoyed the roast!
Angela says
I've made this twice so far and both times it was to die for! It's also super easy to make.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Angela, so happy to hear it! Thank you for coming back and reviewing the recipe. Shelby
Ken sheeley says
Hi Shelby, I made this recipe 3 months ago in my air fryer. Wow! It was stupendous! Now I’m doubling the size to 4.4 lbs for mt poker group on Thursday. I m obviously making modifications but that crust was awesome. If it doesn’t come out out well, I will serve more Alcohol! Thanks for a great recipe!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Ken, thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience! Shelby